Proposal for a Public Art Commission in Downe Hospital
16 February 2023
Deadline:
The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust have a commitment to improving the patient and staff environment through Integrated Art. The Trust is seeking expressions of interest from artists based in/ or from Northern Ireland with experience of working in healthcare environment to create a unique artwork for the main foyer of the Downe Hospital.
This commission will enhance the bright and airy space of the atrium foyer providing an intriguing and colourful statement artwork that will complement the existing artworks and environment. It is anticipated that the artwork/s will be mounted above head height on both sides of the foyer and will have fire retardant properties so as to minimise any fire risk.
The piece or pieces will be of the highest quality design, materials and finish; to reflect the high quality, safe and effective care our patients can expect from the moment of arrival.
Theme:
The theme chosen for this project is FLOW, drawing on ideas of mindfulness and relaxation to enhance our care for our patients, staff and visitors. The successful artist/s will provide artwork/s that are uplifting, inspiring and have a restful quality with a confident use of expression. The final wall-based piece/s should be aesthetically pleasing, symbolic or semi-representational; bold enough to catch the eye of users/ visitors, stimulating the imagination, while adding to a sense of well-being and retreat.
The Trust would particularly welcome work/s in two or three dimensions that can absorb noise, reflecting the importance of quiet time to think. Highly representational images of particular places are not advised but use of natural or landscape elements are welcome.
Important information:
The Trust will commission an individual or multi part artwork with the theme of Flow and movement, to be integrated in to the atrium of the Downe Hospital.
There will be a two stage selection process for the commission. This commission may be a shallow wall relief, suspended from the wall or 2 dimensional artwork applied to the wall, in any medium (either low fire risk or capable of being made fire retardant), suitable for internal environment. Please find reference images below.
Artist’s submission by email only to include:
- A short statement (200 words maximum) on current working practice and initial response to the brief theme: Flow and Movement (detailed scaled design concepts are not sought at this stage)
- Between 6 and 10 images (good quality JPEGS/PDFs are acceptable) of relevant/ recent work (clearly marked with your name and title of images and dimensions)
- A quote for the high level cost of the concept with dimensions provided.
- A relevant CV Evidence of previous experience in public or integrated art will be of benefit (max 2X A4 pages)
Deadline to apply is 4pm on Thursday 30 March 2023
Any queries on this commission can be sent to Eilis.obaoill@setrust.hscni.net by 23 March 2023 at the latest in order to give time for reply.
